THUMBS UP: The North-West Coast's State League coaches Mitch Thorp and Clint Proctor are supportive of the idea of players getting a spot on North Melbourne's VFL list. Picture: Cordell Richardson

AFL Tasmania’s plan to have State League players get a taste of the VFL via North Melbourne’s standalone side next season has been given the tick of approval by the North-West Coast’s TSL coaches.

Devonport’s Mitch Thorp and Burnie’s Clint Proctor on Wednesday both agreed the idea, which would allow a small number of State League players to have a spot on North Melbourne’s VFL list while still being part of the Tasmanian system, was beneficial to all.

As well as strengthening the State League as the talent pathway, it would give players more exposure to the higher level and further exposure to AFL recruiters.

Hanson a strong example, says Thorp

“I’m a big believer that young men should aspire to be the best players that they can be,’’ Thorp said.

“If there is an opportunity for our young players to still live here and play footy in the VFL can only be a good thing.”

Thorp used the example of Matt Hanson, who he coached at South Launceston, as someone that could have stayed in the state this had already been in place.

“There is a gap when the lads finish with the Mariners, and Matt is someone who after missing out in the draft had to make that move across to Werribee to progress his footy, and he has won two VFL best and fairests.

“In his heart of hearts, he probably didn’t want to leave the state, as all his friends and family are here, and if we can have those sort of guys still listed with our TSL teams and still be able to play in the VFL, I think that would be great for Tassie footy.”

Thorp knows the VFL well, having spent time at Werribee, and understands the advantages State League players would get from getting a taste of it.

“It is that next level up, and while it is arguably behind the WAFL and the SANFL, the VFL is still a really high level of footy.

“If you can play in those games it does give you that exposure to AFL recruiters.

“You can still get recruited from the TSL, there is no doubt about that as we have seen that with Jeremy Howe and people like that, but the VFL would give them that little bit more exposure.

“If you look at the results from the weekend with our under 16s and under 17s the potential that we have is pretty significant, but we just need to harness that, so a TSL with a VFL opportunity will give these young players a chance to stay in Tasmania.”

Step up in class is important, says Proctor

Burnie coach Proctor added: “Any footballer in Tasmania who wants to play at the highest level should always be encouraged to, and if that is with the VFL aligned with North Melbourne and the Next Generation Academy, then I am absolutely for it.

“It is obviously a step up with class in regards to the standard in general and players are only going to get better the more they spend in that environment.

“One state games [such as last weekend against the NEAFL] is fantastic, but it is also a harsh environment for some players to go into, as they only have one game to perform, where this would allow them more time at that level.”

Like Thorp, Proctor knows all about the VFL having played for Williamstown and Frankston.

They indicated they would not stand in the way of a player playing in the VFL, highlighting the importance of the State League in producing AFL footballers.